Matt and I drove to the Provo Mall at 3:30am! to get on the bus. We warmed up 2 miles with Jake, Rob and Karl. Weather was great. I was feeling pretty good. Race started at 6am. Matt and I had talked about starting together and going out conservatively. The first 3 miles are pretty honest with a good sized hill at the end of the 3rd. 1-3 (5:29, 5:31, 5:38). After the 1st half mile I was having stomach cramps. Darn oatmeal! I think I'm up for a morning race routine change. It wasn't debilitating but quite uncomfortable. Legs felt pretty good, but not great. Justin ran 2-7 with us. It was awesome running with Matt and Justin, couldn't ask for a better group to share in the fun. Mile 4 had a big downhill but then another big uphill (5:29). Still felt the same, yucky stomach, ok legs. 5 - 7 are the fastest on the course and we sped up a little, but with a consistent effort (5:17, 5:17, 5:26). At the end of 7 I was starting to feel it. The wheels were still on the bus but I was getting worried. Matt started to pull away, I wished him luck. He looked super strong. I stayed on pace for 8 and started to fall off a little for 9 (5:24, 5:34). Things started to get ugly. I felt drained. 10 and 11 were not fun (5:37, 5:51). I nearly walked up the hill on mile 11, at least it felt like it. Justin passed me at 10 and gapped me by a good bit up the hill. At the top I felt a little rejuvenated. I let my head get to me and slowed down too much. Mile 12 (5:31). Felt way better than 10. Started catching Justin. 13 (5:37). .1 (:35). Finished about a second behind Justin. I didn't get my goal (<1:12). I did get a 90 sec PR. But on a way easier/faster course. I'm not too disappointed but I think I was in better shape. My diet and sleep the few days before the race were about as bad as I've ever had (vacation). Warmed down 5 miles with Matt and Brandon. I had a great time. Matt crushed it. 2 months off the couch. He's a machine. Reed ran well too. | 